Outback camel races

Camels arrived in Australia from the 1840s onwards, mostly from India and Afghanistan, with cameleers who carried goods across the inland before railways and roads. When motor transport took over, many camels were released, and their descendants now roam the arid interior. Racing them is a celebration of that history — and a lot of fun.

The original Outback Now pages on the Bedourie, Boulia and Winton camel races were linked by national media and travel magazines. This guide brings those pages together and explains how to plan around the races.

Major camel race meets

Boulia Camel Races (Queensland)

Boulia, in the Channel Country, stages one of Australia's best-known camel race weekends, traditionally in July, with long-distance races, entertainment and markets. The town's population swells for the weekend.

Bedourie Camel Races (Queensland)

Bedourie, in the Diamantina Shire between Boulia and Birdsville, has held camel races in conjunction with Boulia's in some years, allowing visitors to attend both on a "camel race circuit".

Winton Camel Races (Queensland)

Winton has held camel races as part of its event calendar in some years, combining well with a dinosaur-trail trip.

Marree Camel Cup (South Australia)

Marree, with its strong cameleer heritage, has run the Marree Australian Camel Cup — historically held every second year — in the cooler months.

Mitchell Camel Races and Ute Muster (Queensland)

Mitchell on the Warrego Highway has combined camel racing with a ute muster in past years.

Tara Camel Races (Queensland)

Tara, on the western Darling Downs, has hosted a festival of camel racing in some years.

What to expect

Camel races mix proper racing with comedy: camels are stubborn, fast and unpredictable, and starts are often chaotic. Meets typically include a full race program, novelty events, children's activities, food stalls, a bar, live music and fireworks. Many events offer camping on site.

Planning tips

• Confirm dates with the official event website — dates change and events are sometimes cancelled because of rain, drought or other factors.
• Book early or bring camping gear; accommodation in small towns sells out.
• Check road conditions — rain can close the unsealed roads around Boulia, Bedourie and Birdsville.
• Combine events — Boulia and Bedourie, or Boulia and the Mount Isa Rodeo, can sometimes be combined in one trip.

Animal welfare

Reputable race clubs follow animal welfare guidelines and use experienced handlers. If you have concerns about an animal, raise them with the organisers.

A short history of camel racing

Camel racing in Australia grew out of the era of camel transport, when cameleers and station people tested their animals against each other. Organised camel race meetings became popular from the 1970s onwards, with Alice Springs' Camel Cup — first run in 1970 — often credited as one of the earliest modern events. Since then, camel races have spread to towns across the outback and beyond, often as fundraisers for local schools, clubs and services. See The cameleers for the history behind the animals.

How camel races work

Camels are raced over a range of distances, from short sprints to longer endurance races. Riders sit behind the hump on a racing saddle, and starts are usually from a sitting position, with camels rising when the gate opens — the moment most likely to produce chaos. Some meets also feature novelty events where visitors can try riding or racing, and camel handlers often run rides between races. Prize money, distances and race formats vary by event.

The Alice Springs Camel Cup

In the Northern Territory, the Camel Cup in Alice Springs has long been a highlight of the town's winter events calendar, held at Blatherskite Park. It typically features camel races, novelty events and entertainment for families. Check the official website for the current date, as it is generally held in the cooler months.

Planning a camel race trip

Most camel races in Queensland's Channel Country are held in the cooler months between May and August. The region is remote, with long distances between towns and limited services:

• Accommodation is very limited, and most visitors camp. Event organisers often open temporary camping areas with basic facilities.
• Fuel is available in Boulia, Bedourie and Birdsville, but distances are long. Carry spare fuel if your vehicle has a limited range.
• Water and food — bring enough to be self-sufficient for several days.
• Communications — mobile coverage is limited. Carry a satellite communication device.
• Weather — days are warm and sunny, but nights can be cold, especially in the desert.

Roads linking Boulia, Bedourie and Birdsville are a mix of sealed and unsealed sections. Check QLDTraffic and shire council road reports before leaving, and drive to conditions.

Beyond the races

Camel race weekends combine well with the Channel Country's other attractions. Near Boulia, the Min Min Encounter centre tells the story of the mysterious Min Min light, and the Boulia Stone House museum is worth a stop. Bedourie has an artesian spa pool and the historic Bedourie Hotel. Birdsville offers the Birdsville Bakery, the Birdsville Hotel and Big Red, the famous sand dune on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Riding a camel

If you'd like to ride rather than watch, camel tour operators run rides and treks near Uluru, Alice Springs, Broome and the Flinders Ranges. Rides range from short sunset trips to multi-day treks. Check operators' safety briefings and weight limits.

Respect for animals and country

Camel race events are held on Country of the local Traditional Owners, such as the Pitta Pitta people around Boulia. Many events include Welcome to Country ceremonies. Leave camping areas clean, take your rubbish home and respect closures. See Visiting Country respectfully.

For more outback events, see our seasonal calendar.